Reporter…Tenor…Poet: Hank Walter’s Book of Poems is Published

Rave reviews from Inner Circle members who’ve read a book of poems by our own Hank Walter (IC’56).

Hank Walter

“Growing Older” is a collection of writings on topics ranging from early love, Sept. 11, 2001, growing older, social evil, and thoughts about god.

Here’s an excerpt from one, titled “The Tracks I Made.”

My hell

Was that I thought

My fame just now was ripe

For me (I’d foil the blank of graves!);

Yet gulls are wheeling now over the tracks I made

And now know that nothing enslaves

The soul as glory’s pipe

Fluting naught

But a spell,

Hank Walter on stage.

A swell

Of heart that’s bought

With pain. My name in type

Will soon be lost when the new tide raves

And bead-eyed gulls wheel over tracks I made.

“It’s a beautiful collection of poems in the varied voices of Hank through his various stages of life and I consider my book a wonderful gift,” aid Inner Circle President Henry Goldman.

Shelly Strickler said: “Larry and I will treasure this wonderful book of love.”

“I remember reading parts of your epic poem about St. Paul – evocative, with perfect scansion,” said Jane Tillman Irving. “It was lovely to see you at the mechanical rehearsal and I look forward to your participation in the show next year.”

During his working career, Hank was a reporter at the World Telegram & Sun, and produced award-winning documentaries for WMCA.

Hank and his wife, Mary, recently relocated to an assisted-living home in Westchester. Their daughter, Catherine, said they would very much enjoy hearing from Inner Circle friends. Hank will turn 89 in November, and she adds, he is determined to get a cameo role in our 2016 show. We’re holding a spot in the spotlight.